Carrie drew two acute non-overlapping angles that share a ray and labeled them ∠ADB

and ∠BDC
. The two angles have the same whole number measure. What is the least possible measure of ∠ADC
? What is the greatest possible measure of ∠ADC
?

(1 point)
Responses

least: 2°; greatest: 88°

least: 2°; greatest: 88°

least: 2°; greatest: 178°

least: 2°; greatest: 178°

least: 3°; greatest: 177°

least: 3°; greatest: 177°

least: 3°; greatest: 178°

1 answer

To determine the least and greatest possible measures of angle \( \angle ADC \), let's analyze the situation.

  1. Understanding the Angles:

    • \( \angle ADB \) and \( \angle BDC \) are acute angles that share ray \( DB \).
    • Both angles \( \angle ADB \) and \( \angle BDC \) have the same measure, which we will denote as \( x \).
    • Since they are acute angles, \( x \) must be less than \( 90^\circ \).
  2. Relationship of Angles:

    • The total measure of angle \( \angle ADC \) is the sum of the two angles: \[ \angle ADC = \angle ADB + \angle BDC = x + x = 2x \]
  3. Determining Minimum and Maximum Values:

    • Since \( x \) is a whole number and less than \( 90^\circ \), the smallest possible value of \( x \) can be \( 1^\circ \) (but note that the angles must be acute, so we are looking for valid options).
      • The least possible value of \( x = 1^\circ \) yields: \[ \angle ADC = 2(1) = 2^\circ \]
    • Similarly, for the greatest possible value, since \( x \) must be less than \( 90^\circ \) and an integer, the largest possible value of \( x \) can be \( 89^\circ \): \[ \angle ADC = 2(89) = 178^\circ \]
  4. Conclusion: Given that both angles are acute and can only be whole numbers, we confirm the minimum and maximum measures of \( \angle ADC \):

    • Least possible measure: \( 2^\circ \)
    • Greatest possible measure: \( 178^\circ \)

Thus, the final answer is:

Least: 2°; Greatest: 178°